Moles, sometimes, could be super annoying – especially when you want to have a tattoo in that specific area. While most people argue that tattooing over a mole brings adverse health effects, others think otherwise.
So, if you are searching for a verified answer to the question “Can you tattoo over moles?“, this article is for you.
Can You Tattoo Over Moles?
Yes, there’s nothing wrong with tattooing over moles. Specialists have been examining tattooed people for years. They have never discovered an elevated risk of developing malignant skin issues or diseases like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma.
There has been no specific proof that inks employed for tattooing increase the probability of relapse in people who have previously suffered melanoma or related types of skin cancer.
Indeed, those who have experienced skin cancer are more likely to produce new skin cancer cells in the future, but tattooing does not enhance that danger.
3 Factors To Consider When Getting A Tattoo Over Moles
Are your moles new?
Have the moles been there since you were a child? If yes, you’re mistaking birthmarks, also known as beauty marks, for moles. If this is the situation, go ahead and acquire the tattoos.
The same thing is true for moles that first emerged during puberty (given that you’re not in your later teenagers or earlier twenties), as long as they haven’t transformed in size or appearance since then.
On the other hand, those moles that have only emerged in maturity are the ones you should keep an eye on. Don’t take us wrong – not all the moles appearing during that specific period are dangerous.
Indeed, it’s little to worry or bother about in most cases because moles develop in larger quantities as we mature. As a result of being subjected to appropriate levels of daylight, a rise in the number of moles over time is simply biological and, in the end, inescapable in adults.
But the reason we say to stay extra cautious about such moles is that, while they are most likely harmless, you want to be capable of monitoring them for significant development and changes in appearance or pigment.
When you spot a suspicious difference, you can actively consult a doctor and (or) a dermatologist to ensure that there isn’t any hidden problem that requires intervention.
Vice versa, you won’t be able to properly check for abnormalities and receive treatment if you have a tattoo covering them. For that reason, it is advisable to establish the tattoo around the moles instead of over them.
Get Your Doctor Or A Dermatologist’s Opinion
As previously stated, you should get permission from a qualified dermatologist before tattooing over big (diameter more than a regular Sharpie felt marker tip) moles that have freshly formed (within the past 5 years or more). In any situation, it’s always a good thing to have them examined first.
If, after all the tests, they are harmless, your doctor or dermatologist will grant you the go-ahead to get tattooed, offering you complete and utter peace of mind.
Incorporating Them Into Your Designs
It’s worth considering including them in the designs if you and (or) your dermatologist want to keep track of them rather than tattooing over moles. Even when you possess many moles on your skin, a well-trained tattoo artist can handle this as a breeze.
In most cases, the darker areas would blend in with the tattoo pigment. However, there are methods to incorporate moles into your design without sacrificing aesthetics, even if you’re looking for vivid plus colorful new-school shades. Large, projecting moles are absolutely no exception.
However, once again, everything boils down to skills. You should meet up with an expert from a reliable facility in advance and discuss your ideas and problems with them. During your first appointment, you will be able to achieve most of this.
Why Tattoo Artists Don’t Like To Tattoo Over Your Mole
Most tattooists would refuse to ink over a mole, and those who do generally do so since they are either unaware of industry-standard principles (or aren’t even qualified) or don’t know what they’re doing.
However, why do tattoo artists avoid tattooing over moles? There are many reasons, but the most common ones are due to the moles’ effects on the tattoo’s aesthetics, safety, or the law in the regions they practice.
Health Risks
Alterations in a mole’s shape, edge, pigment, size, form, or texture are all possible indicators that the lesion develops into carcinoma or different forms of skin cancer. Hence, a tattoo situated too near to (or over) a mole is never a wise decision because it can obscure the observable differences of your moles.
Skin cancer is typically treatable if detected and handled early. However, severe skin cancers are more difficult to cure and, if left untreated, could be painful and traumatic or even fatal. As a result, anything that hinders skin cancer detection is extremely risky.
Also, it’s critical to leave every mole entirely recognizable; otherwise, you might risk prolonging the diagnosis. Tattooing over a melanoma mark is also not something we suggest.
For the instance of a cancer comeback, the doctor should examine the mole with ease. But tattooing will conceal that region, making it more likely that a return would go unnoticed.
If you want a tattoo, ensure that it’s far away from any moles or such areas that are reshaping or causing you to worry. Those with numerous moles or abnormal mole conditions are at a higher chance of getting cancer. Thus, this is essential.
Getting The Wrong Color
It’s tricky to acquire the correct shade when tattooing over a mole, which is the main aesthetic reason. The mole isn’t similar to typical skin, and it consumes ink in a strange way.
Tattoo artists who’ve already attempted to work over a mole say that it collects far too much ink far too fast, resulting in an excessively colored effect.
Any tattoo you acquire from a tattoo artist serves as that artist’s business card, and if they aren’t sure that their ability is enough to get your tattoo to show up well, they may refrain from performing it at all.
Excessive Bleeding
Whenever acquiring a tattoo, there will always be some blood. After all, you’re continually pricking your skin with a needle. However, the tattoo gun usually only causes a small amount of blood that is controllable.
It isn’t always the situation with moles. However, artists who have attempted to work over them will confidently say more bloodshed than usual.
Excessive bloodshed makes tattooing over the site more challenging, and it can potentially result in problems.
Legal Restrictions
Foreign regions in the United States and many governments implement their unique tattoo parlor rules. Getting a tattoo over moles and some different types of skin problems is expressly illegal in several areas.
What Is The Option If You Still Want To Get Tattooed?
Should you have your mind made up on having a tattoo covering one or more moles, a method will enable you to do so without facing any of the associated dangers: Get surgical removal.
Having the mole removed surgically is a more intense approach. However, it is a relatively popular treatment that dermatologists frequently conduct on malignant moles.
Yet, after you’ve recovered from the cosmetic mole eradication, you’ll most likely sport a mark where the mole used to exist. The best part is that when cured, you may easily tattoo over the scar area, and most tattooists would not mind such an issue.
Conclusion
Now you know the answer to the question, “Can you tattoo over moles?” Although most tattoos over moles are harmless, there are still rare situations where things could be terrible. Thus, consider thoroughly before making your decision. Good luck!
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